James W. Allen BETHLEHEM James W Allen, 89, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 11, 2017, at his home in Bethlehem. Born in Somerville, NJ, Jim resided in North Plainfield, NJ, for 20 years before moving to Watchung, NJ, Jackson, NJ, and Bethlehem. He had lived in Bethlehem since 2016. Jim was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, serving during World War II. He attended Princeton University and received his B.S. from Rutgers University and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Jim started his banking career at the Second National Bank of Somerville, NJ, and then the Plainfield Savings Bank. Jim started up the Watchung Hills Bank for Savings in 1987, where he was president until his retirement. He was appointed to the New Jersey Governor's Advisory Board of Banking Members. Jim served on the North Plainfield Board of Education from 1967 to 1973. He was also a member of the Central Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Plainfield Rotary, National Association of Mutual Savings Banks, and numerous other banking and community organizations. He was a past member of Wilson Memorial Church in Watchung. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed fishing at the Jersey Shore and was a member of the Plainfield Country Club for many years, where he loved playing golf. Jim's greatest love was spending time with his family and was truly the patriarch to all. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ruth S. Allen; his daughter, Linda A. Dickert and husband, Paul, of Bethlehem; his son, Thomas J. Allen Sr. and his wife, Cathy, of North Plainfield; three grandchildren, Amy Fisher and husband James of Bethlehem; Amanda Smith and husband Patrick of Hoboken, NJ, and Thomas J. Allen Jr. of North Plainfield, and two great-grandchildren, Alivia and Andria Fisher. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Funeral services are under the direction of Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung. To send condolences go to higginsfuneralhome.com. Higgins Home for Funerals 752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung, NJ 07069 908-756-0017